Skal/expectations and support

[4430]

As a teacher and mentor to a wide variety of students ; I think that we owe this young man a pause . I can't imagine what he has been through .
I sincerely believe that he couldn't be in a better place with caring mentors around him .
He obviously has an amazing amount of God given talent . Like any young person ; let us step back with support and nurturing and let him grow in confidence .
I hope and pray that we support him and all the young men and women that wear and compete for UK ; proudly , with integrity and strength .

 

[KA4Prez]

He will have his moment. I just hope it comes at UK.

 

[uky8unc5]

He will have his moment. I just hope it comes at UK.

I don't think anyone has a problem with giving Skal time to develop. And we are all rooting FOR him. But in a world of one-and-done, how can anyone (including Skal) not be disappointed?

 

[MegaBlue05]

Skal could probably benefit from playing here 3 years like WCS (Getting stronger and coming off the bench next year; his team the year after next), but I fear his handler and the stigma of being a top recruit who didn't jump after one year and force him to make a potentially unwise decision. However, I know some guys have to strike while the iron is hot. And this is not me saying Skal will be here beyond this year.

I see a gifted player with an awkward frame who has very good raw skills but little basketball IQ. I really hope Skal does well every night out. He's a "normal" freshman 20 years ago. Now, he's a "bust" because he's not a super frosh like AD, Cousins or Wall.

 

[KA4Prez]

Ska is immature, inexperienced and still adjusting. Like I said, he will have his moment, it just might not click until he is 22 and on an NBA roster.

Does anyone remember Andre Drummond? Guy looked like a deer in the headlights his whole Freshman year. He actually regressed. Now he leads the NBA in rebounding. He put in the work, improved and will have an amazing career. Skal doesn't have the same game, but many big guys go down the same road.

DeAndre Jordan
Steven Adams
Hassan Whiteside

There's many of them.

 

[UKWildcatT]

It's a mutual thing. I could care less if you "use" UK as a stop for being a "one and done". However, as a fan, I think a player should deliver, somewhat, in return.

So far, I think we've gotten pretty solid investments from our "one and dones". Some more than others? Of course, but pretty solid nonetheless. This year with Skal...

 

[catrecruit]

Cal said some people just need to unpack their bags and stay awhile....pretty sure he was referring to Skal

 

[KYCAT78]

If Skal stays 2 years or more years I welcome him

 

[trueblujr2]

I watched part of a documentary the other day about Kareem Abdul Jabaar. As I watched I kept thinking that he's a guy Skal should really study and model his game after. Kareem wasn't a wide bodied powerful enforcer down low, he was a finesse player with skills and footwork. I think there is a lot of comparisons to their build and style of play that could be made.